feel

verb

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\ ˈfēl

felt\ ˈfelt

\; feeling

Definition of feel

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.

b : to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles) He felt a sudden pain in his leg.

2a : to undergo passive experience of continually felt the resentment of his competitors

b : to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by felt the insult deeply

3 : to ascertain by cautious trial —usually used with out feeling out the sentiments of their neighbors on the subject of school improvements

4a : to be aware of by instinct or inference feel trouble brewing

b : believe, think say what you really feel

5 US slang : to understand (someone) : to know how (someone) feels Yeah, I feel you on that. I fall asleep every time I'm in the car as well.— Scott Sugarman When you buckle your chinstrap up, it's with a purpose, dog! Do you feel me?— Eric Berry

intransitive verb

1a : to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation lost the ability to feel in his fingertips

b : to search for something by using the sense of touch She felt in her purse for her keys.

2a : to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition I feel sick.

b : to have a marked sentiment or opinion feels strongly about it

3 : seem it feels like spring today

4 : to have sympathy or pity I feel for you

feel like

: to have an inclination for feel like a walk?

feel

noun

Definition of feel (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : sensation, feeling

2 : the sense of touch

3a : the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch

b : typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere also : an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere

4 : intuitive knowledge or ability

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing feel Learn More About feel

Synonyms for feel

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Examples of feel in a Sentence

Verb He felt a sudden pain in his leg. I could feel the warmth of the sun. I felt someone tap my shoulder. Do you feel a draft? She felt the fabric to see if it was wool. Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones. Noun the feel of old leather Although the table is brand-new, it has the look and feel of an antique. He liked the feel of the sun on his face. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb In the end, employees should feel more confident about the cybersecurity approach of the organization and also understand the long-term value of cybersecurity and privacy as well as its impact on the business. — Steve Durbin, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022 In any case, the leader should feel comfortable and empowered to control the discussion. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Their characters feel distinctive, with Goldberg and Fonda delivering especially memorable turns. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2022 Many journalists in Guatemala feel they are being watched, said Evelyn Blanck, a journalist and coordinator of Centro Civitas, an organization for freedom of expression. — CNN, 1 Aug. 2022 Or, put differently, Guardians Holiday Special can’t feel like the end of a phase if Gunn never got instructions to write it that way. — Chris Smith, BGR, 1 Aug. 2022 Does rage, for instance, feel different from outrage? — Nikhil Krishnan, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2022 That might seem outrageous to the average person -- why would a man who has accomplished so much still feel the need to grind hours away watching football tapes of sixteen- and seventeen-year-old kids? — John Talty | Jtalty@al.com, al, 1 Aug. 2022 If the Padres successfully shove the chips in on a trade whale like Soto, the waves across baseball will feel like someone dropped a Fiat from a crane into the middle of the municipal pool. — Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun On a trade deadline afternoon that had an unusual feel to it inside the Brewers clubhouse, Freddy Peralta had by far the biggest smile in the room. — Curt Hogg, Journal Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2022 This recession could have a different feel anyway, with Americans’ attitudes about employment shifting. — Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 31 July 2022 The sleek lines and matte black finish of this fandelier give it a distinctly contemporary feel. — Camryn Rabideau, Popular Mechanics, 18 July 2022 With the music used to accompany the group's verses composed largely of archival samples - the record had a vintage feel. — Justine Browning, EW.com, 18 July 2022 Modal/polyester blend fabrics have a super soft and smooth feel without wrinkling. — Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 15 July 2022 Both dining rooms have an upscale romantic feel, but are still perfectly suitable for kids. — Megan Dubois, Chron, 14 July 2022 Though this weekend’s games will have a true feel of pre-COVID-19 normalcy, not everything has gone smoothly. — Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2022 Patches by Gatorade can give you a feel for your sweat rate and sodium loss ($25 for a two-pack). — Marty Munson, Men's Health, 11 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.